PAPA ROACH's new album, "The Connection", is streaming in its entirety at AOL Music. Due on October 2 via Eleven Seven Music, the CD was recorded at the band's hometown studio, The Red House in Sacramento, California, and was produced by rock veteran James Michael (SIXX: A.M., HALESTORM) and John Feldmann (PANIC AT THE DISCO, THE USED, ESCAPE THE FATE).

PAPA ROACH's video for the song "Still Swingin'" was filmed in New York City with David Brodsky of Brooklyn's MyGoodEye Music Visuals (HELLYEAH, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, GOATWHORE, MUNICIPAL WASTE, SUFFOCATION).

Of the tune itself, singer Jacoby Shaddix told Loudwire in an interview, "It is the most important statement for the band. I think it just says a lot about [PAPA ROACH]. It's about my personal life, my highs and lows and what I've gone through and I'm a fuckin survivor dude. I'm a fighter. I think it's taking a challenge and I'm always willing to step up to it and I'm not going to go out without a fight. And [PAPA ROACH], we're the band that no matter what we're fucking up against, we're gonna prevail."

"The Connection" track listing:

01. Engage
02. Still Swingin'
03. Where Did The Angels Go
04. Silence Is The Enemy
05. Before I Die
06. Wish You Never Met Me
07. Give Me Back My Life
08. Breathe You In
09. Leader Of The Broken Hearts
10. Not That Beautiful
11. Walking Dead
12. Won't Let Up
13. As Far As I Remember

PAPA ROACH in August officially dropped off the Rockstar Energy Uproar Festival after just one week, with Shaddix needing surgery to remove a nodule on his vocal cord. Shaddix was diagnosed earlier this summer and attempted to take care of it without an operation, but issued a statement saying, "I was hoping to be able to go out there and kill it on this tour by resting and doing vocal exercises, but my voice has just gone out on me. I hate to let our fans down, but unfortunately surgery is the only way to fix it. The last thing we want to do is give our fans less than 100% every night. We know they'll understand and we'll be back better than ever."

The throat problems follow a tough period during which Shaddix split and reconciled with his wife of 15 years and also fell off the wagon.

"Still Swingin'" video:

"Rhythm Of Passion Part II: The Gathering", the new video from Canadian progressive melodic metallers KÄLTER, can be seen below. The song comes of the band's second album, "Ubuntu", which will be released on October 11 via www.kalterofficial.com. The CD was recorded this past summer with producer Jef Fortin (AETERNAM, UNEXPECT, NEURAXIS).

"Ubuntu" track listing:

01. Intuitions
02. Flying Seeds
03. Remember
04. Reflexions
05. Adversity
06. Tribulation
07. Rhythm Of Passion Part I: The Awakening
08. Rhythm Of Passion Part II: The Gathering

KÄLTER recently inked a deal with Maple Metal Records of Toronto, Canada, for the re-release of their 2010 album "Spiritual Angel".

KÄLTER, a quintet hailing from Quebec City, Canada, initially released "Spiritual Angel" indepedently in 2010 to critical acclaim, but with very limited distribution.

KÄLTER has shared the stage with such bands as KATAKLYSM, NECRONOMICON, CATAMENIA, BLACKGUARD and NORTHER.

KÄLTER most recently performed at last year's Trois-Rivières Metalfest alongside ANNIHILATOR, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, NAPALM DEATH, ATHEIST, CRYPTOPSY and CARNIFEX, among others.

KÄLTER is:

Marc-André Lafrenière - Guitar, Vocals
Mathieu Plamondon - Guitar
Jean-François Racine - Keyboards
Louis-Antoine Pelletier - Bass
Lucas Biron – Drums

Guitarist Victor Griffin has announced that he will leave the legendary cult rock act PENTAGRAM after the completion of the band's upcoming European in October/November. He says, "Of course, the future is always uncertain… but for now, it's time to move on with my new band's album and tour plans for 2013."

PENTAGRAM's European tour will see the band perform its Decibel magazine "Hall Of Fame" album, "Relentless", in its entirety for the first time since the early 1980s. PENTAGRAM will also play other beloved songs spanning the group's career, including tracks from their most recent album, "Last Rites".

Fans can finally get their hands on the PENTAGRAM documentary "Last Days Here", winner of the "Best Music Documentary" at the International Documentary Film Festival. The film is available from Amazon.com, iTunes, Best Buy, and other online and physical retailers. "Last Days Here" is also available for viewing via Netflix (DVD and streaming).

PENTAGRAM's classic "Death Row"-era line-up and the band's debut album, "Relentless" (1984), was inducted into Decibel magazine's Hall of Fame in 2010. Guitarist Victor Griffin's invention of the "Drop B" tuning is first heard here. This heavy-handed hallmark went on to influence handfuls of players and defined a subgenre.

"Night Of The Witches", the new video from Chilean thrashers NIMROD, can be seen below. The clip was directed by Christian Irarrazabal and Rodrigo Cerda. The song comes off the band's latest album, "Return To Babylon", which is available on Digmetalworld Records. The CD was recorded at Sade Studios by Juan Pablo Donoso in Santiago, Chile and it features Erico Morales (DANTESCO) on vocals.

Commented NIMROD guitarist Cris Ira: "We had a long hiatus from 1985 to 2007. Now things are quite different. Everyone is giving 100% to the band. We are already recording the second album that will be released in 2013. We came back to stay..."

"Return To Babylon" track listing:

01. Night Of The Witches
02. I Am
03. Return To Babylon
04. Broken Wings
05. Ready To Burn
06. Death Behind
07. Betrayed Of The Soul
08. Time Of Changes
09. Dark Land
10. Fall Of The Tower
11. Nimrod

NIMROD is:

Leonardo Caballero - Vocals
Christian Irarrazabal - Guitar
Gabriel Head - Guitar
Fernando Gonzalez - Bass
Rodrigo Cerda - Drums

"Borderline", a brand new song from Finnish gothic metallers THE 69 EYES, can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below. The track comes off the band's new album, "X", which was released in Europe on September 28 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was mixed by Stefan Boman (THE HELLACOPTERS, BULLET).

Commented singer Jyrki69: "Elvis, Johnny Cash and Lee Hazlewood were sitting by the fire in the sunset desert as I rode there with my white Apache horse. I got down and joined them to hear their stories. Lee handled me a half bottle of Jack Daniels as they start a song...

"This is a very intimate, gentle song. There's nobody else than me and the listener in this cold world as I sing this one for YOU. Can you feel the warmth of that fire..."

Regarding the album title, Jyrki69 said, "We've never really celebrated anything, not that we've been playing 20 years or so (vampires don't count decades). Thus this time we thought to celebrate a bit: the new album is entitled as tenth in Roman numbers, it'll be called 'X'."

On the topic of the "X" cover artwork, Jyrki69 said, "The cover is pure goth 'n' roll: a psychedelic mirror image of old wild animal bones with our X-tagram projected over all. It's good, evil, magic and voodoo all together! Something to stare at when tripping on the album."

THE 69 EYES filmed a video for the song "Red" in July with Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.

Commented Jyrki69: "This is THE 69 EYES at the most melodic but even more than that, the most intense. The song has a very intense feeling, you know, like when your heart beats wild (red), when the world circles around you and when you find out the painful truth. Think of those scenes in the movies like 'Vertigo' or 'Vanilla Sky'. Something's broken and there's nothing you can do about it. It's a very epic and emotional song."

"X" track listing:

01. Love Runs Away
02. Tonight
03. Black
04. If You Love Me The Morning After
05. Red
06. I Love The Darkness In You
07. Borderline
08. I'm Ready
09. I know What You Did Last Summer
10. When A Love Comes To An End

Bonus DVD

* Red (video)
* Made In Sweden – Stockholm & THE 69 EYES (documentary)

"Borderline" audio stream:

"Old School Thrasher", the new video from San Francisco Bay Area thrashers KILL RITUAL, can be seen below. The clip was filmed on July 13 at Soundwave Studios in Oakland, California. Mike Sloat (MACHINE HEAD, TESTAMENT) handled the production, directing and editing.

Commented KILL RITUAL lead guitarist Steve Rice: "Simple, raw and in your face, like the song itself, what better way to introduce fans to the world of KILL RITUAL than with a bunch of long-haired, sweaty thrashers in jeans and t-shirts kicking it out! Like the lyric says, 'And now I'm metal tonight!'"

"Old School Thrasher" comes off KILL RITUAL's debut album, "The Serpentine Ritual", which will be released on October 30 via Scarlet Records. The CD was recorded and engineered by KILL RITUAL lead guitarist Steve Rice at Fang Studios in San Mateo, California and Fossil Sound in San Jose, California. The mix and the mastering were handled by Andy La Rocque of KING DIAMOND fame at his Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden. La Rocque also makes a guest appearance on the CD with the ending solo on the track "Coat Of Blood".

The "The Serpentine Ritual" cover art was designed by Jobert Mello for Sledgehammer Graffix (SABATON, PRIMAL FEAR).

"The Serpentine Ritual" track listing:

01. The Serpentine Ritual
02. Torn Down
03. Time To Kill
04. Ambush
05. Old School Thrasher
06. Coat Of Blood *
07. Cold Hard Floor
08. Law Of The Land
09. Prisoner Of The Flesh
10. My Neighborhood (bonus track)

* Featuring guest solo by Andy La Rocque

FOZZY's video for the song "Sandpaper" can be seen at WWE.com. The track, which features a guest appearance by AVENGED SEVENFOLD singer M. Shadows, comes off FOZZY's new album, "Sin And Bones", which sold around 3,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 143 on the Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at position No. 1 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

FOZZY singer — and WWE wrestling superstar— Chris Jericho recently told Loudwire about the "Evil Dead"-inspired "Sandpaper" clip, "It kind of started from that and then we said, 'What if we do a whole 'Evil Dead'-type homage?' And then we found this bad-ass cabin in the woods in Atlanta, and just everything kind of fell together from there. We found, right by the cabin, there was a civil war burial ground, and there was this creepy bridge that was near it, and the cabin couldn't have been more perfect for what we were looking for."

M. Shadows joined FOZZY on stage last Thursday night (September 27) at the Roxy in West Hollywood, California to perform "Sandpaper".

Check out a photo from CNC Photos.

Asked how the Shadows collaboration came about, Jericho told LocalBozo.com: "Shad's a friend of mine and when I was recording the vocals, I wasn't really feeling the one part: 'a cat scratch whiplash / a witch hunt in black.' So I thought it'd be cool to have somebody else do it, like a calm response. So I called Matt and asked him if he'd be interested. I knew they were off and he was at home, so he's like, 'Send me the song and I'll see what I think.' I sent it to him and he really dug it. He was a fan of ours from before anyways — he liked a bunch of our songs. He thought that 'Sandpaper' was one of the catchiest choruses that we'd ever done and so he kind of took it and laid down the part like I asked him to and then he also rearranged the song a bit — gave it a little bit of a different arrangement, streamlined it, made it a little bit more compact, and in my opinion made it a better song. So not only did he sing what I asked him to, he also put his own spin on it and really went above and beyond to create this amazing song that's just been doing huge for us since it came out. So it was cool. It was cool on a professional standpoint, on a creative standpoint, and on a friendship standpoint to have him involved."

"Sin And Bones" was released on August 14 (one day earlier internationally) via FOZZY's new label, Century Media Records.

Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH have issued the following statement:

"Another chapter of the NIGHTWISH story has ended today. NIGHTWISH and [singer] Anette Olzon have decided to part company, in mutual understanding, for the good of all parties involved.

"In recent times it has become increasingly obvious that the direction and the needs of the band were in conflict, and this has led to a division from which we cannot recover.

"NIGHTWISH has no intention of canceling any upcoming shows, and as a result we have decided to bring in a substitute vocalist starting in Seattle on October 1. Her name is Floor Jansen (ex-AFTER FOREVER, REVAMP) from the Netherlands, and she has graciously stepped in to help us complete the 'Imaginaerum' world tour.

"We are all strongly committed to this journey, this vehicle of spirit, and we are sure that this will lead to a brighter future for everyone.

"We forever remain excited about the adventures to come, and we are extremely proud of the two beautiful albums and the wonderful shows we shared together."

KAMELOT backing singers Elize Ryd (also of AMARANTHE) and Alissa White-Gluz (also of THE AGONIST) stepped in for Anette this past Friday night (September 28) at the Ogden Theatre because Olzon was suffering from fever and vomiting and was forced to spend the night at a local hospital. The rest of NIGHTWISH stated about their decision to use stand-in vocalists for the gig, "We were in hell [on Friday]. [The] show [was] about to be canceled... But nobody gave up an inch. With the help from the ladies Elize and Alissa from KAMELOT, we actually managed to pull of a relaxed and great show! The crowd doing the mass karaoke with the band playing was absolutely amazing. We were humbled and grateful at the same time. This is unity and help from friends and fans."

Writing on her official blog, Olzon voiced her displeasure over the fact that NIGHTWISH played a concert without her, stating, "I was never asked if it was OK they used Elize and Alissa in the show [Friday] night. I don't think it's a good decision they made and I'm sorry for those of you who came to see the whole band but got something else. But I was very ill and this decision wasn't mine.'

She continued in a separate posting, "This is just music. Like life, sometimes we get ill and shows do get canceled. Rihanna wouldn't ask Britney Spears to sing for her if she was ill."

She concluded, "To think a show is more important than the humans in the band is, for me, so totally not in this world."

Photos of Friday night's concert can be seen at this location (courtesy of Brandon Marshall).

Olzon rejoined NIGHTWISH on stage this past Saturday night (September 29) at The Complex in Salt Lake City, Utah. She wrote on her blog after the concert, "Sorry for not being in top form, but I did my best at least."

Olzon joined NIGHTWISH in 2007 as the replacement for Tarja Turunen after the latter was fired in 2005.

Pictured below: Anette Olzon

Audio samples of all the tracks that appear on "RIITIIR", the twelfth studio album from Norwegian progressive extreme metallers ENSLAVED, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The CD will be released in Europe on September 28 and in North America on October 9 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The track listing for the "RIITIIR" European and North American digipak is as follows:

01. Thoughts Like Hammers
02. Death In The Eyes Of Dawn
03. Veilburner
04. Roots Of The Mountain
05. Riitiir
06. Materal
07. Storm Of Memories
08. Forsaken

The track listing for the "RIITIIR" 2LP double-gatefold is as follows:

Side A:

01. Thoughts Like Hammers
02. Death In The Eyes Of Dawn

Side B:

01. Veilburner
02. Roots Of The Mountain

Side C:

01. Riitiir
02. Materal

Side D:

01. Storm Of Memories
02. Forsaken

A track-by-track review of "RIITIIR" is available at Terrorizer.com.

"It has been only two years since we last released an album [2010's award-winning 'Axioma Ethica Odini'], and we've been touring Europe and North America several times since then," reflects ENSLAVED guitarist, songwriter, and founding member Ivar Bjørnson. "Some might think that this schedule, and the fact that we celebrated our 20th anniversary last year, should result in some time off in the end. Nah. Like a space vessel that gains momentum by entering slingshot-orbits on its way through space, we seem to gain speed, direction, and strength on our journeys, through new releases and subsequent tours.

"Describing the sound on the new album is both easy and hard," Bjørnson continues. "It is easy because it sounds like ENSLAVED, whatever that means. It is hard because there are so many layers and different focal points. I have a feeling that it has a deeper complexity than our previous efforts, but at the same time, I do find it more catchy and moving. Then again, I am the opposite of objective in this, so again I'll leave it up to the people outside the band to make up their mind."

ENSLAVED's last two CDs — "Vertebrae" (2008) and "Axioma Ethica Odini" (2010) — were released via Indie Recordings in Europe and Nuclear Blast in North America.

The reunited original lineup of the German metal band DARK AT DAWN has released a new EP in digital form. Entitled "Noneternal" the effort is the band's first sign of life after five years of silence. The EP consists of four brand new songs and will be made available as a physical CD at the group's upcoming shows.

"Noneternal" track listing:

01. Coming Home
02. Arabian Fights
03. Firedrunk
04. Taking My Time

In 2013, DARK AT DAWN will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a new full-length album and a number of festival appearances.

DARK AT DAWN disbanded in 2007 after 14 years and five albums. It was too difficult for the members to handle the band as well as their day jobs. After several setbacks, including lineup changes and business problems, they lost the motivation to continue as band.

In the beginning of the 21th century, the Harz-Mountain-based band was called one of the most promising newcomer of the German scene. Shows at Wacken Open Air, Summer Breeze and the Wave Gotik Treffen in Leipzig raised their profile and their debut record, "Baneful Skies", won praise from the print media. They managed to mix up traditional and modern metal sounds with a unique touch melancholy.

Now, five years after their disbanding, the five musicians decided that the time has come to get back together with new energy and dozens of new ideas.

Veteran heavy metal vocalist Mike Vescera (ANIMETAL USA, OBSESSION, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, LOUDNESS) makes a guest appearance on "Warring Heaven", the new album from SOVEREIGN, the French metal project led by multi-instrumentalist Samir Mhamdi. According to a press release, the CD "is complete with thundering vocals, epic guitar solos and catchy vocal lines."

"Warring Heaven" track listing:

01. Again
02. Lucifer's Game
03. Calling Dusk
04. Dragon's Breath
05. Warring Heaven
06. Killian's Heart
07. Khem
08. Ode To The Undead
09. Realms
10. Jade Genesis (instrumental)

A teaser for "Warring Heaven" is available below.

The vocals for "Warring Heaven" were recorded at Vescera's Toy Room Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. All instruments recorded, mixed and mastered at Slabsound Studio in France by Gwen Kerjan. Additional keyboards on "Again", "Dragon's Breath", "Warring Heaven", "Khem" and "Ode To the Undead" were laid down by Gwen Kerjan. Drums editing was handled by Samir Mhamdi at Sovereign's Studio and Gwen Kerjan at Slabsound Studio.

Formed in 2000, SOVEREIGN's first three-song CD came out three years later and featured Guillaume Bideau (MNEMIC, SCARVE, ONE WAY MIRROR) on vocals.

For more information, visit SovereignMetal.com.

Portuguese bashers PHAZER have announced that the release of their new EP Rockslinger.

The EP was recorded, mixed and mastered in The Pentagon Audio Manufacturers studio with production by Fernando Matias (MOONSPELL, BIZARRA LOCOMOTIVA, F.E.V.E.R., LINDA MARTINI, WE ARE THE DAMNED, IF LUCY FELL).
Tracklisting is as follows:
‘I’ve Been Shot’
‘Dear Foe’
‘Spermatogenesis’
‘On The Road’
‘My Treasure’
‘Lil’ Devil’

The single ‘I've Been Shot’, off the EP has been released as a free download at this location. The video for the track can be seen below:

Canadian vocalist/guitarist/producer DEVIN TOWNSEND will release a limited edition blue gatefold blue vinyl LP version of his new Epicloud album on November 6th. It is now available for pre-order here.

A standard vinyl edition of Epicloud will also be issued on November 6th, which can be ordered via the widget at the bottom of the page.
Released on September 18th, Townsend's new Epicloud album boasts 13 light-hearted, hook laden tracks featuring once again, guest vocal appearances by ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN.

Epicloud is available in the following formats: standard CD jewel case, limited edition digipack with bonus CD, double vinyl gatefold with the exclusive bonus track, 'Epicloud' (release date TBA), and digital download on iTunes with two exclusive bonus tracks, 'Cry Forever' (demo) and 'Take My Ego' (demo).

Check out BW&BK's new review for Epicloud here. Samples for all the tracks on Epicloud can be heard below:

Singer/songwriter/producer Jean Beauvoir (CROWN OF THORNS, PLASMATICS) has partnered with Pledge Music, which encourages fans to contribute funds to the recording of albums and the artists themselves to donate to charity as a part of their fundraising. Pledgers who dontate toward the making of the new CROWN OF THORNS four-song EP will have access to unique footage, photos, and other exclusives throughout the making that will be only available to "pledgers." They will also be able to pre-order the EP, other special packages and recordings, plus be a part of the process. A portion of the proceeds will go towards helping Haitian children in need.

CROWN OF THORNS' latest album, "Faith", was released in June 2009 via Little Steven Van Zandt's Lost Cathedral label imprint. The disc brought back the trademark CROWN OF THORNS sound that established the band as a rock powerhouse, still keeping intact all the elements of infectious guitar riffs, soaring hooklines, and great melodies.

Beauvoir collaborated with Bob Clearmountain (BRYAN ADAMS, THE ROLLING STONES, BON JOVI, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E-STREET BAND) in the recording sessions for "Faith" as well as Mark Plati (DAVID BOWIE) for the mix — resulting in the best-sounding CROWN OF THORNS album yet.

Boston-based death/thrash metal act REVOCATION released their new EP, Teratogenesis, on September 25th via Scion A/V Metal. The EP is now available for free download at this location.
Tracklisting is as follows:

‘The Grip Tightens’
‘Spurn the Outstretched Hand’
‘Maniacally Unleashed’
‘Teratogenesis’
‘Bound By Desire’

Revocation recently announced a North American tour for this fall, presented by Scion A/V. The tour will begin October 18th in Trenton, NJ and run through November 14th in Montreal, QC. Support on the tour will come from A LIFE ONCE LOST and KEN MODE.

Tour dates:

October
18 - Trenton, NJ - The Backstage at Championship Bar (no KEN Mode)
19 - Montreal, QC - Katacombes
20 - Toronto, ON - Wreck Room
21 - Lansing, MI - Mac’s Bar
22 - Chicago, IL - Cobra Lounge
23 - St. Paul, MN - Station 4
24 - Winnipeg, MB - Osborne Village Inn
26 - Calgary, AB - Vern’s
27 - Edmonton, AB - Pawn Shop
29 - Tacoma, WA - The Loch’s
30 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon - Lounge
31 - Portland, OR - Rotture

November
1 - San Francisco, CA - The Sub Mission
2 - Fullerton, CA - Slidebar
3 - Scottsdale, AZ - Chaser’s
4 - El Paso, TX - House of Rock
5 - San Antonio, TX - Korova
6 - Austin, TX - Red 7
8 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
9 - Charlotte, NC - The Casbah - Tremont Music Hall
10 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie
11 - Albany, NY - Bogies
12 - New York, NY - The Studio At Webster Hall
13 - Allston, MA - Great Scott

Updates to follow. More on Revocation at this location.

MOB RULES will release their new album Cannibal Nation as a vinyl edition limited to 500 copies, with gatefold sleeve on October 19th via AFM Records.

The vinyl edition will come with a slightly different cover artwork which can be seen below:
Tracklisting is as follows:

Side A
'Close My Eyes'
'Lost'
'Tele Box Fool'
'Ice And Fire'

Side B
'Soldiers Of Fortune'
'The Sirens'
'Scream For The Sun (May 29th 1953)'
'Cannibal Nation'
'Sunrise'

Mob Rules will celebrate the release of Cannibal Nation with a live release party on October 20th in their hometown Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Tickets are available now at this location.

Azorean modern metallers STAMPKASE will release their debut album, Mechanorganism, on November 3rd. They have posted an album teaser online, which can be found below:
The Mechanorganism is as follows:

'Dodge Fire'
'Bipolarized'
'Blank Wound'
'Angular Plasma'
'Faded'
'Déjà-Vu'
'Random Shot'
'Stamina'
'Scintilla'
'Mechanorganism'
Colin Marks, who created the album artwork, manages the London based studio Rain Song Design working primarily within the music and film industries. He has previously worked with famous acts such as KATAKLYSM, EXODUS, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, JEFF LOOMIS, NEVERMORE, ABORTED, SYLOSIS, SCAR SYMMETRY, THREAT SIGNAL, ALL SHALL PERISH, SUICIDE SILENCE and many more.

Colin ties in some words on Mechanorganism artwork: "The great thing about the album is that every song has a particular individual theme, and thus needed its own independent visual to accompany it, so we have a wide range of artwork running throughout. Each page is a new concept. It's refreshing to alternate the style of the imagery to tie in with the songs and their lyrics rather than keep a running theme as is generally the case.

It's been a pleasure collaborating with the band on this, and on top of that the album sounds awesome from what I've heard so far."

The band thoughts on the artwork great results: "When we reached Colin we were absolutely aware of his potential. However, we must say there was no way of imagining something so amazing, flawless and reliable about everything that goes on in the album, musically and lyrically. Despite our descriptions he digged so perfectly in all the concepts and added his own vision, that we had absolutely nothing to pinpoint during the process. He was right in our mood and came out like our sixth element."

Mechanorganism was recorded separately in Azores and Portugal mainland during the last two years.

Drums were tracked at the renowned Ultrasound Studios (ANGELUS APATRIDA, HEAVENWOOD, W.A.K.O., SWITCHTENSE) in Braga, with sound engineer Pedro Mendes. All other instruments were laid down in their home island with José Miranda and Carlos Rijo. Mixing and mastering duties were handled by Daniel Cardoso (Angelus Apatrida, ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN).

Stampkase was formed in 2003 in São Miguel Island, Azores archipelago (Portugal), and have since spread their groove and odd tempos, as well as their sticky melodies, onstage with bands such as MNEMIC, FEAR MY THOUGHTS, DAGOBA, EXILIA, SWITCHTENSE and many others.

Watch previously released concept teaser below:

Outspoken WARRIOR SOUL frontman Kory Clarke is featured in a new interview with MetalRecusants.com, conducted on September 27th in London, England at the O2 Islington Academy. Check it out below:
The tracklist of the band's new album, Stiff Middle Finger, is as follows:

'Occupy'
'Planetary Revolution'
'Wall Street'
'Junky Stripper'
'A Drink To All My Friends'
'2012'
'Tear'
'Sparkle Baby'
'Rubicon'
'Light Your Bonfires'

The album will be released on October 22nd. Pre-order and audio samples are available via the widget below.

Click here for Warrior Soul's complete tour schedule.

BEYOND THE MORNINGLIGHT has announced the release of their new album Liberation. The album is available for free download at this location.

According to a press release: “The story is told as seen from the eyes of Runar Funeralheart, singer and lyricist of the band, who really feels all the life, all the air, all landscapes and all the death surrounding him, and can transform all those sensations into little creatures he likes to take care of, like children to feed, watch over and grow up into massive songs, so full of energy, soul and deepest emotions.”

Funeralheart commented: “The lyrics are what really takes the toll on me... I have to write and rewrite for weeks in solitude to get in whatever state to bring the shit. But people seem to enjoy them, they seem to connect somehow.”

The album was recorded at Misantrof Studios in 2011/2012. It was produced, mixed and engineered by Daniel Vrangsinn and the band.

Cover art was created by Daniel Vrangsinn. Check it out below:
Tracklisting is as follows:

‘Liberation’
‘Drifting Away’
‘Open Your Eyes’
‘Depression Blues’
‘Lose Control’
‘Into The Crimson Sun’
‘Enter Solitude’
‘Goodbye Anthem’
‘Acid Rain’
Bonus Track:
‘Crossroads’

NIGHTWISH frontwoman Anette Olzon believes it was a bad idea for the rest of her band to have used substitute singers for their show in Denver, Colorado after she was taken ill and had to be hospitalized.

KAMELOT backing singers Elize Ryd (also of AMARANTHE) and Alissa White-Gluz (also of THE AGONIST) stepped in for Anette this past Friday night (September 28) at the Ogden Theatre because Olzon was suffering from fever and vomiting and was forced to spend the night at a local hospital. The rest of NIGHTWISH stated about their decision to use stand-in vocalists for the gig, "We were in hell [on Friday]. [The] show [was] about to be canceled... But nobody gave up an inch. With the help from the ladies Elize and Alissa from KAMELOT, we actually managed to pull of a relaxed and great show! The crowd doing the mass karaoke with the band playing was absolutely amazing. We were humbled and grateful at the same time. This is unity and help from friends and fans."

Writing on her official blog, Olzon voiced her displeasure over the fact that NIGHTWISH played a concert without her, stating, "I was never asked if it was OK they used Elize and Alissa in the show [Friday] night. I don't think it's a good decision they made and I'm sorry for those of you who came to see the whole band but got something else. But I was very ill and this decision wasn't mine.'

She continued in a separate posting, "This is just music. Like life, sometimes we get ill and shows do get canceled. Rihanna wouldn't ask Britney Spears to sing for her if she was ill."

She concluded, "To think a show is more important than the humans in the band is, for me, so totally not in this world."

Photos of Friday night's concert can be seen at this location (courtesy of Brandon Marshall).

Olzon rejoined NIGHTWISH on stage last night (Saturday, September 29) at The Complex in Salt Lake City, Utah. She wrote on her blog after the concert, "Sorry for not being in top form, but I did my best at least."

Olzon joined NIGHTWISH in 2007 as the replacement for Tarja Turunen after the latter was fired in 2005.

Pictured below: Anette Olzon

Fan-filmed video footage of ALTER BRIDGE and CREED guitarist Mark Tremonti performing an unreleased track called "Gone" on September 26 at The Note in West Chester, Pennsylvania can be seen below.

"Gone" was recorded during the sessions for Mark's solo album, "All I Was", which came out this past July, but was left off the final CD. The studio version of the track is expected to be made available soon.

VAN HALEN bassist Wolfgang Van Halen made his first appearance as part of Tremonti's solo band earlier in the month at a show in Rhode Island. This marks the first time Wolfgang has played with anyone outside of his father Eddie, his uncle Alex and singer David Lee Roth.

Van Halen is replacing Tremonti's bandmate from CREED and ALTER BRIDGE, Brian Marshall, who is sitting out the Tremonti trek for undisclosed personal reasons. The other members of Tremonti's touring band include Eric Friedman on guitar and Garrett Whitlock on drums.

Fan-filmed video footage of DOWN's entire September 29 performance at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey can be seen below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Eyes Of The South
02. Witchtripper
03. Open Coffins
04. Lysergik Funeral Procession
05. Lifer
06. Pillars Of Eternity
07. Losing All
08. Ghosts Along The Mississippi
09. New Orleans Is A Dying Whore
10. Temptation's Wings
11. Misfortune Teller

Encore:

12. Hail The Leaf
13. Stone The Crow
14. Bury Me In Smoke

DOWN's new EP, "Down IV Part I - The Purple EP", sold 12,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 35 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Down IV Part I - The Purple EP", DOWN's first in a series of four EPs to be released over the next few years (with a year between EPs), each touching on a different aspect of the band's sound, came out on September 18. It will be followed by the second collection of songs early next year, around the time of a planned U.S. tour. EPs three and four are scheduled for later in 2013.

"Down IV Part I - The Purple EP" heralds the sound of DOWN going back to its roots, with influences from BLACK SABBATH, SAINT VITUS and WITCHFINDER GENERAL.

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Levitation
02. Witchtripper
03. Open Coffins
04. The Curse Is A Lie
05. This Work Is Timeless
06. Misfortune Teller

Lyrically, the EP goes beyond just personal experiences, and explores themes that include the faith of mankind, the imperfection of mankind and cultural belief systems.

"DOWN gives me the platform to be poetic and paint imagery with lyrics," said vocalist Philip Anselmo. "That's the approach I took. They complement the music and create an ominous feeling. Ultimately, when people consume the words, it's always their interpretation that matters. I could be image-conscious though when I wrote. It's not so gut level or street. The darker shit is some of my favorite."

On October 30, Eagle Rock Entertainment will deliver an early holiday treat, with the release of TWISTED SISTER's "A Twisted Xmas - Live In Las Vegas" on DVD, CD, and Digital Video/Audio.

Previously available only on DVD, as part of the 2011 "Bars To The Stars" five-DVD box set, "A Twisted Xmas" features the classic tracks "I Wanna Rock" and "You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll" alongside such Christmas favorites as "White Christmas", "Deck The Halls", "12 Days Of Christmas", and many more. "O Come, All Ye Faithful" gets a very special TWISTED treatment, with a music bed of "We're Not Gonna Take It". This is the kind of Christmas spirit that only TWISTED SISTER can unleash, produced, as always, by TWISTED SISTER bassist extraordinaire Mark "The Animal" Mendoza.

Vocalist Dee Snider (or Snider Claus, taking the stage in Santa's suit), guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda, bassist Mark Mendoza, and drummer A.J. Pero took the merriment on the road in 2006, following the release of their holiday album "A Twisted Christmas". This tinsel-trimmed, heavy metal holiday extravaganza, filmed in Las Vegas, has also become an annual tradition in New York City.

"The TWISTED SISTER 'Live In Las Vegas' performance was the realization of all that the show could be," states French. "It brought together all the elements which made the 'Twisted Christmas' album such a huge success combining the unique transformation of some of the world's greatest Christmas classics done in pure heavy metal style with extraordinary visuals. The energy of the live performance on the recording reflects our own shock and awe as we, the band, watched our dreams unfold. It really was A December to Remember."

"A Twisted Xmas - Live In Las Vegas" track listing:

01. Intro *
02. Have Yourself A Merry Christmas
03. White Christmas
04. Shoot 'Em Down
05. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
06. You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll
07. Deck The Halls
08. The Price
09. Come All Ye Faithful
10. Burn In Hell
11. Drum Solo *
12. Silver Bells
13. I'll Be Home For Christmas
14. Satan Claus! *
15. I Wanna Rock
16. 12 Days Of Christmas
17. We're Not Gonna Take It

* not on CD

Eva Eisen, the mother of KISS frontman Paul Stanley, died on Saturday, September 29. She was 88 years old.

Said Paul: "My mother found so much pleasure and fulfillment in all the various types of music that she so loved. It was through her that I, too, found that same passion. She lived long enough to see, enjoy and love an extended family that included her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She found numerous ways to contribute to her community and was appreciated and loved by those who knew her. My mom was the matriarch of our family and words cannot express our loss."

Added the other members of KISS: "From the earliest days of KISS until recently, Eva was always seen by fans at New York-area shows.

"We send our deepest sympathies to Paul and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Less than a year and a half after calling it quits, New Jersey metallers MUTINY WITHIN have announced plans to complete their sophomore album, the demo recordings for which were laid down in early 2011.

A teaser for the forthcoming CD, "Synchronicity", is available in the YouTube clip below.

In a recent interview with AFGM, MUTINY WITHIN vocalist Chris Clancy stated about the forthcoming album, "It's essentially the old lineup but without Drew [Stavola, keyboards]. We're just doing it in our spare time. They send me parts over and I put it together in Pro Tools. I just have a few more tracks to record vocals on, Brandon [Jacobs, guitar] has a few solos to record and then we're done."

He added, "We're not sure on the track listing 100% yet. There's one song that I'm having a really hard time writing vocals for so we might lose a track. It should still be 11-12 tracks, though. We want to get it out before the end of the year."

Asked if MUTINY WITHIN has any plans to tour in support of the upcoming album, Clancy — who is a U.K. national — said, "It'd be really great to tour, but it's just impossible now. It's mainly immigration issues. It'd cost me $5,000 just to get a visa to tour with. Same with Dan [Daniel Bage, guitar]. On top of that, we had to sell our van to cover debts, and everybody has jobs or is in college now. Getting good tours without a label is near impossible, too. Without tour support, we'd never have gotten out of New Jersey as we lost thousands every tour due to fuel costs and lack of merch sales."

The self-titled debut album from MUTINY WITHIN landed at position No. 41 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Mutiny Within" was released on February 23, 2010 via Roadrunner Records. The CD was recorded at Bieler Bros. Studios in Pompano Beach, Florida with producer Jason Bieler (SIKTH, SKINDRED, DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL, NONPOINT) and was mixed by Jeff Rose and Martin "Ginge" Ford of Nott-In-Pill studios in Newport, Wales, United Kingdom.